Over Promised and Under Delivered Twice

Dr. Chesnut performed two sets of procedures on my face and neck starting in 2023. As a slim 45 year old woman I had some neck laxity and age-related reduction of facial fullness and skin laxity that I wanted addressed. I noticed his glossy social media presence and was impressed to see “world renowned” plastic surgeon listed on his profile. I decided on a consultation. Dr. Chesnut has a very friendly and positive bedside manner. We discussed my concerns and he assured me that we could achieve wonderful results. When I received a quote of $120,000 I was shocked as that was well above industry standards and well above what I expected given my baseline. He explained his “upfront a’la carte” pricing was best for the patient. He said we could do less but shared that each additional procedure ($$$) would enhance my overall result. I decided that I should pay 3 times the other quotes I received from plastic surgeons and trust Dr. Chesnut. I had an unexpectedly tough recovery and the results were very disappointing. I saw him virtually 8 months after and he agreed on the “failure” and suggested more procedures to achieve desired results. I was again shocked when I received a quote for another $80,000 to perform the revision. I saw a plastic surgeon for a second opinion and was quoted $55,000 to perform the revision. I convinced myself that Dr. Chesnut would do a better job since he already knew the situation and he was confident he could remedy the situation in our follow-up consultation. Nine months have passed since my second round of revisionary procedures with Dr. Chesnut. The result is extremely disappointing again. I have a permanent indentation that runs the length of my right cheek and my jawline on that same side looks similar to before the revision work - not at all what we discussed regarding expectations. At 6 months post-op I had a virtual consult with him. He said he would need to do another fat transfer to correct my right cheek. First he told me to “wait as it’s swelling near an anchor point” then he decided based on the amount of time that had passed that for some reason my fat pad “did not recover.”

In addition to the very noticeable indentation on one cheek, I have a hard lump on the left side of my chin from his fat transfer over two years ago. My neck and lower face are barely improved. During the consultation I was told by Dr. Chesnut that I would have “some stitches in front and in my ear” after the second set of procedures. I woke up with copious amounts of stitches in/on my ear line, behind my ears, and along my hairline above my neck. Given I had 4 times the amount of stitches described and this was a revision, I was very nervous about my results and anxious to speak with him at my post-surgical follow-up. However, when I arrived to my appointment I was handed a paper card saying “thanks for your trust” from Dr. Chesnut. I felt so deflated that he wasn't there to check on me. His medical assistant removed my stitches, wiped away my tears, and cleared me to fly home. I assumed he had an emergency and I would hear from him with an understandable reason for his lack of follow-up to my revisionary surgery. Instead, I checked IG from the airport and saw that he was attending the COPA soccer tournament out of town on a family vacation. I would have chosen another surgery date where I could see the surgeon in person before I left town if I had been informed ahead of time of his vacation. We also could have moved my appointment to accommodate when he would be in town. I can only surmise that Dr. Chesnut already received a lot of my money and simply did not care enough to see me at my follow-up.

I encourage people interested in finding a plastic surgeon to do their research and learn about board certifications. I recently met with a surgeon in California who told me that Dr. Chesnut is not a board certified plastic surgeon. I inquired online and can only find that he is board certified as a dermatologist. I was naive and did not research this until after I paid him $200,000 for two sets of plastic surgery procedures with poor results which included long, tough, and confusing recoveries. His prices are well above industry standards and in my case an enormous waste of money and years.

I just started my consultation process for my second revisionary procedure - and my third surgery in 3 years. I’ve seen two plastic surgeons so far and they both agree I am a candidate for a properly performed lift in my lower face and upper neck to show off “my naturally beautiful” jawline that is currently not on display. (Dr. Chesnut told me he performed two deep plane neck lifts. I have no clue how I am now in a situation of getting a third. I am now an active 47 year old. I weigh 135lbs and am 5’7” for perspective.) I was given two different approaches to repairing the indentation to the right side of my face and both said they can dissolve the hard lump with a steroid injection during the lift.

He also took fat from my inner thighs for a fat transfer which was not discussed as an option. I didn’t really have much to give in that area and now both thighs have noticeable lumps and bumps whereas prior to his fat removal my inner thigh contour was smoother. I am no longer wearing shorter skirts or shorts without tights.

I’m devastated by this situation and my decision on multiple levels. I wish he had not taken my case. Based on my experience, I do not feel he accurately represents himself and what he can do. I am writing this review to share information with others that I wish I knew prior to selecting Dr. Chesnut. I trusted social media more than I should have.

Do your research, ask a lot of clarifying questions, and take your time before making your selection.

Warm wishes.